. >> reporter: other topics included medicare reform and the president's health care reform law. while there wasn't a knockout punch by either side, some feel the president may have been too relaxed. >> this time, he seemed just a little detached at times. didn't want to be there. >> reporter: most agree romney led the debate. and after lagging in many polls, this first match-up could give him the boost he needed. >> knowing he's behind and he needs to win. and he came in and fought that fight stylistically. i think he put the president on defense a number of times. >> reporter: now, the candidates aren't wasting any time. they're getting back on the campaign trail today. and the big next week when the vice presidential candidates go one-on-one in kentucky. live in denver, brandi hitt. back to you. >> big issues and controversies in the headlines last few weeks, never mentioned last night. >> reporter: definitely. that's what's interesting, rob and paula. you talk to the analysts. and a lot of people were waiting for president obama to bring up mitt romney's past at bain capital.